Because 3D printing needs pioneers.

Venture Capital Investments

Frank Carsten Herzog is the developer of the LaserCUSING^© technology, i.e., powder bed-based laser melting of metals, and is listed as an inventor in 55 property right families and 483 individual property rights. He founded the german based company ‘Concept Laser GmbH’ together with his wife Kerstin, and the company evolved into one of the leaders in the AM industry. In 2016, GE acquired 75 % of the shares in Concept Laser.

As a driving force and main initiator of the Center of Next Generation Digital Technologies (Forschungs- und Anwendungszentrum für digitale Zukunftstechnologien, FADZ), Frank Carsten Herzog is committed to the promotion and establishment of the 3D printing technology in industry, trade, and society. Furthermore, he works as a consultant in various academic institutions and is involved in his family's own research & development center.

He studied mechanical engineering at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and graduated as Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) (graduate engineer).

Kerstin Herzog studied mechanical engineering at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and played a key role in the development of the LaserCUSING® technology. As co-founder of Concept Laser GmbH, she was responsible for finances and human resources for 15 years. Her focus remained on these two fields even after GE's investment, and she worked together with GE to adapt the family business to the structures of a global corporation.

Today, Kerstin Herzog happily uses her experience and expertise to promote young entrepreneurs. 

She completed her studies with the title Diplom-Ingenieurin (FH) (graduate engineer).

Alexander Bürhaus started his professional career with Deutsche Bank and later moved on to (Credit Suisse) First Boston in New York as an M&A Generalist. Based on this professional experience, he founded his own boutique company with a focus on cross-border M&A and MBOs. Alexander Bürhaus advised the Herzog family on their transaction with GE

and has since supported them in building their family office and business investments. 

Alexander Bürhaus holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Dr. Florian Bechmann started his professional career at the BMW Group's Research & Innovation Center in Munich. In 2008, he joined Concept Laser as Head of Research & Development, where he was responsible for the development and expansion of the R&D department, which grew to over 100 developers under his leadership. Following GE’s investment, he worked as a Senior Manager in the GE Additive business unit and

was responsible for the development of product, technology and process systems in the field of laser-based 3D printing technology, as well as for the coordination of global research programs.

Dr. Florian Bechmann holds a PhD in engineering from the University of Bayreuth.

Susanne Samwer joined the HZG Additive Manufacturing Tech Fund team in 2021 as Director Finance. She has extensive and long-standing experience in financing, investments and corporate transactions, as well as auditing. Her relevant knowledge in accounting and auditing is particularly noteworthy. She was able to expand her expertise both through her work in investment banking and in advising e-commerce enterprises.

Susanne Samwer completed her studies at Cologne University with the title of Diplom-Kauffrau (graduate degree in business administration), majoring in finance and auditing. She also passed the US Certified Public Accountant exam, CPA-inactive, in Vermont (USA).

Florian Walter studied materials science at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg. He then worked in the Customer Experience Center of the world market leader for vibratory finishing technology for 10 years and took over its management in 2015. As part of his training as a specialist trainer with TÜV Rheinland-certified qualification, he was also able to expand his didactic skills.

He imparted his extensive knowledge in the field of post-treatment and surface finishing in a targeted manner in practice-oriented seminars at the in-house academy.

Florian Walter works as a development engineer at NADDCON GmbH, HZG Group's private research and development center.

In this function, he is available as a first contact person to young founders and start-ups and supports the technical evaluation of the underlying ideas from the field of additive manufacturing.

He completed his studies with the title of Diplom-Ingenieur (Univ.) (graduate engineer).

Regina Fischer has been assisting the Herzog family in all administrative and organizational matters since 2013. Initially, she worked as a Management Assistant at Concept Laser. In 2019, she moved to the Herzog family’s family office, HZG Group. Here, she supports the Key Management Team in their everyday workflow. Her responsibilities include commercial as well as administrative and scheduling tasks.

Among other things, she takes care of scheduling and process coordination and is the go-to contact for everything in the back office.